Weight

“Taking the weight off your shoulders" is an idiom that means to feel relief from the things that weigh us down. Worry, responsibilities, and even business keep us from feeling our best selves and cause sleepless nights. 

The last few years I have experienced an enormous amount of weight on my shoulders. From taking care of my aging parent and his declining mind, to the loss of one of my brothers.

Even the good parts of life can be challenging. My husband retired early, which was a blessing to us, especially to him. My honey has the freedom now to travel and do all the things he’s waited to do. I love traveling with him, but as of right now, I still work. I thank God I have a job that gives me the flexibility to work on my own time, most of the time. But, as a Realtor, there are deadlines that must be met, so working while traveling takes away some of the fun and certainly adds to my stress.

When I do get to slow down and breathe a minute, I feel the weight lifting off my shoulders.  It’s such a peaceful, relaxing feeling. Take just a few seconds and close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Let it out slowly.  Didn’t that feel lovely?

When I begin to feel the weight on my shoulders, I try to remember to talk to the One who took the weight of all of my stress, all of my sin, on His shoulders. Knowing how heavy my shoulders feel with my stressors, I cannot fathom the weight that Jesus felt while on the cross. He sacrificed His physical body and took the weight of all our sins on His shoulders.  “Each of us was once an enemy of God, and it was our sins which held Christ on His cross. Yet God's love for us was so deep that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8”

British musician Stuart Townend wrote a beautiful hymn that was first published in 1996.  It reminds us that HE already bore it for us. If we run to Him, talk to Him, He already took it upon Himself, so we don’t have to.  

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the Chosen One

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross

My sin upon His shoulders

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart

His wounds have paid my ransom

So I try to remember that He already bore the weight. I can run to Him and talk to Him, and as long as I keep doing that, the weight doesn’t feel as heavy. I can stand up straight and strong once again.